asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a very large number of men were left off work in Irish Steel, Limited, recently; and whether he can give any reason for this lay off.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disemployment—Irish Steel, Limited.
I am informed that between 50 and 60 men were laid off recently by Irish Steel Holdings, Limited, and were taken on again after a short interval. I understand that this interruption of employment was normal and arises from time to time when repairs are carried out on the furnace; on this occasion also the execution of repairs coincided with a temporary reduction in the available supply of raw material.
Would it be possible that those men were laid off as a result of the absence of scrap iron to carry on the work at Haulbowline?
No. The laying off recently of between 50 and 60 men for a short period was due to the necessity of overhauling the furnace.